How to Make Scented Bath Oils

Homemade bath oil is a simple gift idea that's easy on the budget. Vary scents and colors to please different friends; combine the bath oil with bath salts and massage oil to make a complete gift basket.

Choose your favorite essential oil. You can use all sorts of scents, but here are some favorites:

Chamomile: This relaxing oil is especially good for your skin and children.

Jasmine: This sultry oil is another good one for kids.

Lavender: This relaxing oil moisturizes skin and relaxes both muscles and mind.

Lemon: If you have oily skin or hair, try experimenting with lemon. It also has antidepressant qualities.

Peppermint: This tingly oil stimulates your mind, as well as relieving dry skin and hair. It also helps clear up congestion and relieves itching.

Rose: This oil is relaxing and especially good for skin. It also has antidepressant qualities.

Rosemary: This oil is good for almost all skin and hair types. It relieves both mental and physical pain and even improves memory.

Fill an 8 oz. bottle to within an inch from the top with your favorite carrier oil.

Carrier oil, or base oil, carries the scent to your skin. Some popular light carrier oils for use in the bath include sweet almond, coconut (virgin coconut oil has that wonderful smell), jojoba, and apricot kernel. Some of these can be found at your local grocery store if they have a selection of specialty oils near the regular cooking oils.

Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to the bottle, cap, and gently shake.